Can OCD cause false memories ? I’ve seen something about it on here before but didn’t have time to read it. I’m really concerned because about 2 days ago, I was reading and read the word ‘kissing’ and then all of a sudden i got this thought in my head (like how OCD usually randomly sets off a trigger) and the thought is so horrible (I suffer with POCD) and I was like omg I know what it’s like to kiss a child (like, it felt like I genuinely remembered how it felt). And I started to panic so much thinking when have a I done that. These thoughts tend to involve my nephews because they’re really young, from ages 1-6, so my POCD often gives me intrusive thoughts about them. But this thought felt so real to the point where I keep thinking it’s actually happened. I did have a dream the other day that had my nephew in and it was so inappropriate and made me feel sick and guilty, so maybe this is where the false memory has come from. And I was like omg what if I’ve kissed him. And then I got really upset even though I know I haven’t because I would never do that ever and it makes me feel sick. So then the thought proceeded to omg you must’ve kissed your brother. And then the thoughts became so real all of a sudden and I started to panic so much ! I feel like this has genuinely happened when I was little (obviously not knowing that what I was doing was wrong) but it’s making me feel so sick and I don’t even know if it actually happened or not !! I’m so stressed having this on my mind and not even knowing. And what makes it worse is that the thought/ memory is like not just a kiss, it’s like a proper kiss and I feel sick !! But I don’t even know if it happened !!! How does the mind do This ?! And what makes it worse is that I remember when I was little and I was playing with my younger brother and we were tickling each other, and then I said I wanted to show him something that would tickle, and I started to tickle him (down there) and then it was like massaging it for a few seconds because I’d done it to myself so thought it was okay. I was only little so obviously didn’t know what I was doing and I told my mum about it ages ago because I felt awful and horrible. But now this thought that this kissing thing actually happened, I don’t even know what to do! I feel so guilty and sick and the fact that I can’t tell if it’s real or not is frustrating me so much ! Can this kissing thing be a false memory ? I feel like a terrible person !

I struggle with false memories every day. Ocd has the power to distort and twist past memories. You can look up other stories on other forums simply google pocd and false memories, however it can be easy to get got up in the reassurance train. My only advice and one I struggle to apply every day, is recognize that trying to “remember” or ruminate just gives the ocd more power. It distorts the memories even more. Regular people who don’t have a memory of something wrong is enough to satisfy them. For ocd sufferers, absolute proof or certainty is the only thing that will satisfy us. Which is impossible. Also I don’t think you are a terrible person, even if you kissed a child or your brother. It would just be a kiss, and children do silly things. I certainly did. Try to relax, don’t focus on what’s real and what’s not real. Try to forgive yourself, even tho you don’t have proof it’s real, just practice forgiveness for yourself. Talking to God helps me. The more time you let pass practicing mindfulness to just let the false memories thoughts just pass by and not ruminate on them, the more easier it will be to believe the false memory is not real. And there are times I honestly am not sure if I can call mine false. And then times I’m convinced I could never be so horrible. That overwhelming feeling of doubt is the ocd. Best wishes friend xxxxx

One of the stranger things with it all. I’ll have a memory or flashback that i certainly did or a time i certainly felt well and great and I’ll have the thought that no i really didn’t, i know it’s false, everything about it is false BUT it feels legitimate. Then I’ve had to go back and think more and it turns into a cycle. I’ve been trying more so to just not even go back and legitimize the thoughts because if it truly was a problem then, i would’ve reacted then. It’s tough but going back over 1000s of times hasn’t gotten me anywhere.

Thank you so much to everyone who has replied. This has helped a lot knowing that I’m not alone. OCD is extreme key difficult because you’re constantly obsessing over everything and it literally interferes with a routine. OCD basically is my routine now. Thank you for the help, or really means a lot. I’m wishing you all the best too xxx

False memories are the hardest part about this disorder. I find that the better I get at treating them as intrusive thoughts the less real they feel and logic and reality sets back in! Stay strong and keep doing the exposures

It’s true, it’s a futile search to ruminate. I don’t think I have problems with my memory because I remember things from ages ago. If the harm or wrong we fear DID happen, it would be so emotional / or a big deal, we surely would have it burned in our brains.

I get false memories.. it's the absolute worst